You’re Being Watched

Day 49

One of the things I’m most grateful for is my family, including the 2 amazing young men my husband and I were blessed with. They were easy kids, and both are carving out purpose-driven futures for themselves.

We weren’t perfect parents. There’s no such thing. When people complement us on the way we raised our boys I usually point the credit back to where it’s due – God’s grace in our lives, and in their lives.

But there is One thing that I’ve recently been reminded of, and that’s the fact that as parents we’re constantly being watched. Whether we may think so or not, our actions are influencing our kids. Case in point, a letter we recently received from our youngest son Derek. Yes, a hand-written letter, on paper!

As an ROTC college student, he’s been in Fort Bragg, Kentucky most of the summer – participating in Army training. The heat index has been at about 110 degrees, and he’s been in the woods in full army gear. Rugged, long sleeved ACUs, boots, and full helmet – running tough terrain carrying 40 pound ruck sacks on his back and participating in all sorts of grueling physical activities. He calls it “embracing the suck”, which seems like a perfectly coined phrase.

Which leads me to share the very special sentiment he expressed to me in his letter,

“When things suck here and I feel sorry for myself I think about you and how you are going through something tougher and still going to the gym anyway.”

Totally the closest I’ve come to tears since this ordeal started.

So next time you don’t think your actions mater….. think again. You ARE being watched!

P.S. I will be posting something soon in honor of my oldest son. No favorites!